“It’s easier for me now to understand what
people are saying. I don’t have to ask them to repeat what they said,
and I can remember better. My supervisor at work has noticed the
difference in my ability to follow instructions. I’m concentrating
better on my studies, and best of all—my grades are
improving!” Jason
C., college student, age 19

“I was initially interested in Tomatis therapy
because I was experiencing great difficulty in word retrieval. I just
could not remember the word I needed to express myself. Therapy helped
and an unexpected benefit was the ability to tap into a hidden
reservoir of energy and I stopped yelling at cars in
traffic!” Susan F., office manager, age 45

“It’s easier for me to
express myself and I’m staying on track with deadlines. Tomatis therapy
has given me more confidence. I used to be shy! Anna W., college student, age 21

“Background noise doesn’t bother me any more
and I’m a lot less irritable. I’m more aware of my errors in speech and
correct myself if I use the wrong word. I feel so much more energetic!”
Maria B., homemaker, age 38

ADOLESCENT and ADULT
PROGRAMS

Open a New Door to an Entirely New
World—Tomatis therapy in combination with sensory integration.

The Tomatis Method of auditory
stimulation is designed to re-awaken the ear's natural ability to
listen
and ultimately stimulate the brain’s desire to communicate. Dr. Alfred
Tomatis, a French ear, nose and throat specialist,spent his career
studying the ear-communication connection. His research is responsible
for changing the common perception of the ear from passive
recipient of
sound to the body’s sensory control center.

We at the
Spectrum Center use Tomatis therapy in combination
with sensory integration techniques pioneered by Dr. A. Jean Ayres,
Ph.D., OTR. She was dedicated to providing services to those who would
otherwise be lost in the education and health care
systems. Dr. Ayres’resolute drive to improve the knowledge and
application of sensory integration theory and principles through
continuous research was founded on the desire to help those with
learning disabilities.

Put simply,
sensory integration is the ability to take in,
sort out and connect information from the world around us in an
organized manner. The brain needs sensation, and without it, will
create
its own. With too much un-modulated sensory information a person can
either become over-stimulated or so overwhelmed that he shuts down.
Without
adequate sensory integration we may not be able to participate
effectively in daily life activities, such as work, school,
parenting,
leisure and socializing.

The
combining of these techniques—Tomatis therapy and sensory
integration—provides dramatic results for our clients. They have
improved
their public speaking, listening and communication skills, enhanced
their vocal quality and they have overcome learning difficulties.

"Tomatis
has
developed a neurophysiological theory and a psychosocial theory as a
framework for his method of auditory stimulation…Experienced
clinicians and educators…view it as a most efficient means of helping
individuals improve areas of communication and learning weakness and of
achieving personal growth and potential".

An initial
in-depth assessment is followed by a consultation to discuss results
and
recommendations. If a person is considered an appropriate candidate, an
individualized program is designed. Treatment begins with a 15 day
intensive (2 hours each day), followed by two 8 day intensives, with a
3
to 4 week period of integration between intensives. Clients listen to
electronically filtered sounds of music and voice, which replicate the
main phases of listening and communication development, while taking
part in sensory integrative activities. Daily observations, weekly
assessments, and counseling are important parts of the program.